Some Idaho communities are better served by reverting back to propeller-driven commuter airplanes, rather than jet service only, the president of the only Idaho-based airline says.
For example, Lewiston is served by 64 daily arrivals and departures of propeller-driven aircraft, a far cry from 1981 when the town had four jet flights, said Mel Spelde of Empire Airways of Hayden Lake.With 16 flights a day from Boise, "if you want to get to Lewiston, you won't have any problems," Spelde told the Boise Area Chamber of Commerce.
Spelde said Empire Airways has not had trouble attracting business travelers who value frequency of service more than the type of equipment they fly in, as long as they perceive the aircraft is safe.
But non-commuters often shy away because of concerns about service and safety, he said.